Unionized truckers agree to end strike

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SEOUL, June 15 (Yonhap) -- Unionized truckers in South Korea agreed with
employers to end their five-day strike after ironing out differences on the
reinstatement of fired workers, both sides said Monday.

The Korean Cargo Workers' Union, which claims about 16,000 members, launched a
nationwide strike on Thursday after talks with their top client, Korea Express
Co., broke down on the reinstatement issue and other demands.
Under the agreement reached during predawn negotiations, both sides agreed to
reinstate all fired workers and to guarantee no unfair treatment after their
return to work.
Since the strike started, thousands of police have been dispatched to the
nation's major logistics centers to prevent possible blockades by the striking
truckers.
Truckers had warned they would block seaports and occupy major express roads in a
bid to have their voices heard, though such threats were not put into action. No
significant transportation disruptions have been reported.
The strike came amid recently budding optimism that the worst of the economic
downturn might be over or nearing an end, with some indicators showing signs of
stabilization.
The union has staged strikes in the past demanding higher fuel subsidies and
transportation rates. The stoppages disrupted operations at seaports and cost
millions of dollars in export losses.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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